International Exchanges: Empowering Environmental Leaders

Today, in the Gambia, alumni of Department of State-sponsored exchange programs will form environmental clubs with 100 under-served youth to create and maintain a seed bank, and plant tree nurseries.

Today in Bangalore, India, Parvati Gubbi, a secondary teacher of science and alumna of the Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching Program, will teach students to practice sustainable lifestyles and, "become champions of change for a cleaner and greener habitat for the future."

Today, here in the United States, 13 International Visitor Leadership Program participants from Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have arrived in our country to learn about anti-poaching and anti-wildlife trafficking efforts. During their three week exchange, these wildlife ministry officials, field agents and non-governmental organization (NGO) leaders will work in partnership with Americans, learning how to combat international wildlife trafficking and best practices in anti-poaching of U.S. wildlife resources.

At the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, we are highlighting how our exchange programs bridge languages and cultural barriers by bringing people together to engage in environmental conservation. Teachers, youth, academics, and emerging leaders from communities all around the world will gain the skills and resources that they need to create positive change for the environment.

Every member of society has the ability, resources, and skills to take part in environmental conservation projects and activities. Together, we can all enjoy a cleaner, healthier world.

This Earth Day individuals in every region in the world are addressing environmental issues in their home communities. The State Department is committed to empowering a new generation of leaders to protect our planet.

Comments

Comments

Mika'il D.

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April 22, 2013

Mika'il D. writes:

I must commend you, for your passion and dedication in ensuring sustainability in Local Environments within the dynamic Global Environment. However, i have not seen my Country-Nigeria in the list of countries you invited for your programs. I am very sure you know of our wealth in Wildlife (Some of which are endangered) and the challenges they are facing, what i don't know is why you fail to invite us. Please, consider us anytime you are organizing programs of this Nature. Kindly, accept the assurance of our highest regards Thank You.

Ann S.

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United States

April 22, 2013

Assistant Secretary Ann Stock replies:

@ Mika'il D. -- Hello! We are happy to have many exchange programs with Nigeria. You can find a list of the ones that we currently offer here on our website.

Thank you for your interest in sustainability and State Department exchanges!

Mika'il D.

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Nigeria

April 23, 2013

Mika'il D. in Nigeria writes:

@ Ann Stock: Hi..Thank you for replying my query. I am very happy to see lots of interesting International exchanges though none is Environmentally inclined. Thank you once again, i anxiously look forward to participating in your exchanges, someday. Bravo!

Ashim C.

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India

April 23, 2013

Ashim C. in India writes:

Token efforts can't be sustainable solution. .. people everywhere have become so habituated to comforts of life given by environmentally hazardous gadgets. In Indian villages, people, with proper houses and independent rooms still sleep in open terrace. There can't be anything more eco-friendly and as healthier than a practice as simple as this in certain climatic condition. But no body is promoting this.